For decades, many universities have used race as a factor when deciding which students to admit. In the past, the Supreme Court has backed that practice, called affirmative action, in the interest of creating a diverse student body.

This week, however, the majority-conservative court is considering a case that may change affirmative action forever.

Guest: Adam Liptak, a correspondent covering the Supreme Court for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• The Supreme Court appears ready to rule that race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina were unlawful.
• In the clash over affirmative action, both sides invoke Brown v. Board of Education, the unanimous 1954 decision that said the Constitution prohibits racial segregation in public schools.

For more information on today’s episode, visit 

nytimes.com/thedaily

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